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Great Lengths for CA Masonry

Brother Clement DeAlwis made Masonic history in 1997 when he was installed as master of Fountain Valley Lodge No. 351 (now Garden Grove Lodge). He was the first native of Sri Lanka to be master of an American lodge.

DeAlwis was raised in Sri Lanka in 1963 under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of Scotland. After moving to California, he joined Fountain Valley Lodge, and in 1998 was appointed by then-Grand Master Anthony Wordlow as special representative to the Masonic Districts of Sri Lanka.

DeAlwis now divides his time between Sri Lank and California. Sri Lanka has limited lodges and Masonic activity, but DeAlwis stays active in Masonry through his California membership. To do so, he goes to great lengths – literally.

Of the 1,352 attendees at the 160th Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge of Califronia, DeAlwis traveled furthest. He made the special trip from Sri Lanka – a 9,000 mile-journey – to join his California brothers.


Photo: Bro. DeAlwis with Grand Master Kenneth G. Nagel at the 160th Annual Communication.